Canada. Canada. Wild and wonderful. Jasper National Park

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1 Canada Canada Wild and wonderful Jasper National Park Bounded by the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans and covering six time zones, Canada is the world s second-largest country. A land of great cultural and ethnic diversity, the Canadian society is a grand mosaic of indigenous First Nations tribes like the Inuit and Métis, French and British pioneers and more recent immigrants from the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Few nations can match Niagara Falls Canada s natural beauty, reflected in a geographical diversity that includes the Rocky Mountains, vast expanses of untamed wilderness, prairie wheat fields, seascapes, rainforests and deserts. Nature s grandeur is complemented by the country s vibrant, cosmopolitan cities. Uniquely positioned on the border between Ontario and Quebec, the country s capital Ottawa celebrates the best of its multi-cultural traditions in English and French, Canada s two official languages. Other Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Quebec City, Halifax, Winnipeg, Edmonton, St John s and Charlottetown are equally popular destinations, offering a gamut of experiences that are a fascinating mix of urban sophistication and relaxed country living. Canada s diversity is most apparent in its cuisine, which is truly a melting pot of Asian, European, Mediterranean and local flavours celebrated in elegant restaurants and humble eateries throughout the country. When it comes to shopping, several days can be spent browsing through neighbourhoods in Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver. Tourists can look forward to many activities in the Canadian outdoors like hiking, horse riding, climbing, camping, kayaking and wildlife-watching. They can also experience an amazing variety of galleries, museums, performance arts, spectator sports and nightlife in the major cities or relax at the country s many hot springs and spas, which are justly Downtown, Toronto famous for their rejuvenating powers. Diverse and endlessly engaging, Canada s wide range of exciting options appeal to the explorer in everyone. Sightseeing Toronto Canada s largest and most multicultural city is home to the CN Tower, one of the world s tallest; Hockey Hall of Fame; 456

2 Canada Bear watching, Hudson Bay Accommodation Centrally located hotels in Toronto. Family activities Various picnic spots, aquariums, museums and major amusement parks such as Paramount Canada s Wonderland; Ontario Place; Centreville Amusement Park; Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto and Marine Land at Niagara falls. Shopping Literally hundreds of shopping malls and retail shops allow you to shop for designer labels or just go bargain shopping. You can find anything you might need at Eaton Centre, one of the world s largest shopping malls located in Toronto. In addition, fine examples of Canadian handicrafts are available, such as art, woodcarvings, pottery, cottons and native artefacts. Entertainment Restaurants, coffee shops, fast food outlets, discothéques, nightclubs, bars, jazz clubs and casinos. Casa Loma Castle; Bata Shoe Museum; the Art Gallery of Ontario; the Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario Science Centre; the Entertainment District; Harbourfront Centre; Downtown Yonge, the historic Distillery District and the Niagara Falls, a two-hour drive away. Montreal A distinctively French flavour envelopes this charming city on St Lawrence River. The Jardin Botanique (Botanical Garden); the Biodome de Montreal; the Insectarium de Montreal (Insect Museum); the Musee des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts); Pointe-a-Calliere (Museum of Archaeology and History) and Underground City, a 29-kilometre long, climate-controlled maze of 2000 shops. Vancouver Venue of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Vancouver is often listed as one of the world s 10 best cities. While it offers unmatched opportunities for exploring the outdoors, Vancouver is also intensely urban. The city s attractions include the Museum of Anthropology; the Vancouver Art Gallery; the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, the Grouse Mountain Resort; the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden; the Nitobe Japanese Garden; Granville Island and Stanley Park a 988-acre rainforest. Banff and Jasper National Parks Established in the province of Alberta in 1885 and covering 6,641 square kilometres, Banff is Canada s oldest national park. Also in Alberta, located north of Banff, is Jasper National Park, occupying an area of 10,878 square kilometres, it is Canada s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Both parks offer spectacular scenery, wildlife and bird-watching and outdoor activities that include hiking, fishing, rafting, kayaking and camping. Sports and leisure Hockey is Canada s most popular spectator sport and one of its most widely played recreational sports. Ice hockey is played nationwide during winter and lacrosse played likewise during summer. Despite Canadian winters, a variety of warm-weather sports are played indoors as well. Events Theatre festivals, art festivals, music festivals and events, food and wine festivals, heritage festivals and sport events and attractions. 457

3 Canada Tours Eastern explorer tour Montreal 12 days/11 nights Overland coach tour Toronto Montreal Quebec Ottawa Midland Niagara Falls Cruise the Thousand Islands Explore the wilderness of Algonquin Experience Native American culture View the Niagara Falls This fascinating tour reveals the rich history and scenic wonders of Upper Canada from busy, modern Toronto to the French ambience of Quebec, from the quintessential Canadian landscapes of Algonquin to the lovely shores of Georgian Bay. Day 1: Toronto Arrive at Pearson International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Spend the day at leisure. Overnight in Toronto. Day 2: Toronto In the morning, we take you on a city tour, remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Toronto. Day 3: Toronto Montreal (546 kilometres) Drive along Lake Ontario s north shore to Montreal, pausing at Thousand Islands for a cruise. Overnight in Montreal. Day 4: Montreal Tour Montreal and visit the main sights and the bustling streets. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Montreal. Day 5: Montreal Quebec City (257 kilometres) Travel to Quebec City via Chemin du Roy, where our tour will introduce you to the city s rich history and culture. Overnight in Quebec City. Day 6: Quebec City The day is at leisure to further explore the sights of this charming UNESCO World Heritage site and its narrow streets and unique boutiques. Overnight in Quebec City. Day 7: Quebec City Ottawa (447 kilometres) Follow the north shore of St Lawrence to Ottawa, the nation s capital. Stop for lunch at Sucrerie de la Montagne, an authentic sugar shack and pioneerstyle restaurant. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Ottawa. Day 8: Ottawa After visiting Turtle Island for a unique celebration of contemporary native culture, we take you on a tour of the city. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Ottawa. Day 9: Ottawa Midland (338 kilometres) Visit Algonquin Provincial Park and its scenic trails, before continuing to the Muskoka resort region. Overnight in Midland. Day 10: Midland Niagara Falls (210 kilometres) Visit Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, before heading south through orchards and vineyards to Niagara Falls and a boat ride to the foot of the waterfalls. The evening is at leisure. Overnight in Niagara Falls. Day 11: Niagara Falls Toronto (130 kilometres) Ride to the top of the Skylon Tower for amazing views of the falls before visiting the historic village of Niagara-on-the-Lake and returning to Toronto. Overnight in Toronto. Day 12: Toronto The day is at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your flight home. Total distance: 1,928 kilometres. Ontario GREAT LAKES Toronto ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK Midland Niagara Falls Chateau Frontier, Quebec City Quebec Ottawa THOUSAND ISLANDS Canada Quebec City USA Montreal This tour is available as: Overland coach tour Includes English-speaking local guide and pre-booked 4 star accommodation. 458

4 Toronto Toronto The creative city Toronto, the capital of Ontario, is also considered Canada s entertainment, financial and business capital. A patchwork of distinctive neighbourhoods, the sprawling city boasts lush parks and beautiful buildings, some of which date back to the 19th century. Toronto s many attractions include parks, galleries, museums, shopping centres, restaurants, performance arts, spectator sports and outdoor recreation. An incredibly clean and safe city, Toronto can be easily explored on foot or by public transportation. Places of interest: CN Tower; Ontario Science Centre; Art Gallery of Ontario; Casa Loma Castle; Hockey Hall of Fame; Bata Shoe Museum; Royal Ontario Museum; Distillery District; Harbourfront Centre; Eaton Centre one of the largest malls in Canada. For the family: Ontario Place a unique complex housing more than 30 rides and attractions; Woodie Woodchuck s Indoor Amusement Centre with over 70 games for kids; Fallsview Indoor Waterpark water sports for all ages. Best buys: Dr Flea s Highway 27 and Albion Flea Market the largest indoor flea market and farmer s market; Unionville-Historic Main Street an award-winning, heritage village with unique shops, cafés and restaurants; Ports 1961 shopping centre; Giliam s Fashions boutique shops. Out and about: Explore Toronto s Islands including Centreville Amusement Park or Lighthouse at Gibraltar Point, Algonquin Island. The islands are a car-free environment and are accessible by ferry. Casa Loma Castle Average climate in Toronto J F M A M J J A S O N D MAX 0 C MIN 0 C HRS MM Daily maximum and minimum averages are guides only and may vary. 459

5 Toronto Excursions/Hotels Horseshoe Falls Niagara Falls Full-day coach excursion with lunch This excursion takes you to the pretty village of Niagara-on-the- Lake before visiting the falls. We head out of Toronto past vineyards and parklands to picturesque Niagara-on-the- Lake. One of the best-preserved 19th century towns in North America, it was originally a Native Indian site. Just 20 kilometres further on is the Niagara Falls, the most powerful waterfall in Bridal Veil Falls North America and one of the world s most stupendous natural sights. The falls are composed of two major sections, separated by Goat Island: Horseshoe Falls, by far the most spectacular, on the Canadian side of the border and the American and Bridal Veil Falls on the United States side. A guaranteed highlight is the noisy, wet and unimaginably thrilling boat ride on the Maid of the Mist, which takes you right up to the base of the mighty Horseshoe Falls. After returning to the shore, we stop at a restaurant for lunch with magnificent views of the roaring falls, before returning to Toronto. This is a fully-narrated excursion and operates daily, which includes pick-up and drop-off to downtown Toronto hotels and lunch. Note: The Maid of the Mist operates from mid-may to mid-october, weather permitting. In the off-season, the Maid of the Mist will be substituted by the Journey Behind the Falls. InterContinental Toronto Yorkville Location: Yorkville. InterContinental Toronto Yorkville, located in the exclusive Yorkville neighbourhood, is known as the heart and soul of the city. Trendy restaurants, designer shopping and premier galleries abound. Located within a few kilometres are the CN Tower and the Distillery District. Pearson International Airport is 35 kilometres away. The hotel s contemporary and elegant guest rooms offer spacious living with luxurious Italian linens, a large work desk, wireless internet access and four-piece bathrooms. A 24-hour business centre is also available. The health club offers a fully-equipped fitness centre, while a heated indoor swimming pool, massage room, steam room and large sun deck are the ideal facilities to relax and rejuvenate after a long day. Facilities: 208 rooms and suites. Restaurant, bar, 24-hour room service, safety deposit boxes, business centre, babysitting, interconnecting and non-smoking rooms. Suitable for the physically challenged. Superior Rooms: Airconditioning, hairdryer, bathrobe, TV, CD, data ports, minibar, tea and coffee, iron and safe. Deluxe Rooms: Additionally these rooms offer a larger seating area with a sofa and large working desk. Sports and leisure: Indoor pool, fitness centre, sauna, steam bath and massage. Check-out: 1200 hours. Deluxe Room 460

6 Toronto Hotels Fairmont Royal York Location: Downtown. This historic and elegant downtown hotel is located close to shopping and dining areas and just seven minutes to the harbour front and the CN Tower. From the theatre, entertainment and financial districts, to shopping, sightseeing and world-class sports facilities, the hotel is at the centre of it all in Toronto. Pearson International Airport is 29 kilometres away. Facilities: 1,365 rooms and suites. Five restaurants, bar, 24-hour room service, shopping arcade, hairdresser, beauty salon, safety deposit boxes, business centre, babysitting, interconnecting and non-smoking rooms. Suitable for the physically challenged. Fairmont Rooms: Air-conditioning, hairdryer, bathrobe, TV, data ports, minibar, tea and coffee, iron and safe. Sports and leisure: Indoor pool, fitness centre, sauna, jacuzzi, steam bath and massage. Fairmont Room Check-out: 1200 hours. Hilton Toronto Location: Downtown. This modern hotel is close to the entertainment and financial districts, five minutes away from the CN Tower and the Art Gallery of Ontario. Spacious and stylish guest rooms include all necessities for a comfortable stay. The hotel s heated outdoor swimming pool is an ideal place to relax at the end of a day. Pearson International Airport is 28 kilometres away. Facilities: 600 rooms and suites. Three restaurants, two bars, 24-hour room service, shops, safety deposit boxes, business centre, interconnecting and non-smoking rooms. Suitable for the physically challenged. Hilton Rooms: Air-conditioning, hairdryer, TV, data ports, minibar, tea and coffee and iron. Sports and leisure: Indoor and outdoor pool, fitness room, sauna and jacuzzi. Hilton Room Check-out: 1200 hours. Delta Chelsea Hotel Delta Room Location: Downtown. This modern hotel is located downtown, close to the shopping, dining and entertainment districts. It offers easy access to public transportation. Eaton Centre is just a two-minute walk away and the popular Art Gallery of Ontario is only a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Pearson International Airport is 25 kilometres away. Facilities: 1,590 rooms and suites. Two restaurants, four bars, limited hours of room service, shops, safety deposit boxes, business centre, interconnecting and non-smoking rooms. Suitable for the physically challenged. Delta Rooms: Air-conditioning, hairdryer, bathrobe, TV, data ports, tea and coffee and iron. Sports and leisure: Two indoor pools, fitness centre, sauna and jacuzzi. Check-out: 1100 hours. 461